The Director of the International Institute for Central Asia Javlon Vakhabov met with the UNESCO Representative in Uzbekistan, Head of Office Sara Noshadi.

Joint efforts to promote the historical and cultural heritage of Central Asian peoples and regional identity were discussed at the meeting. The parties exchanged views on implementing several initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen mutual understanding and cohesion of the peoples of the region, put forward at the sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Astana, including holding a Scientific Forum dedicated to the practical aspects of forming a regional identity.

The parties also discussed IICA’s interaction with UNESCO in organizing and holding joint events dedicated to regional cooperation and preserving the cultural heritage of Central Asia within the framework of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which will be held in Samarkand in 2025. The parties noted that this historical event, which will be held outside Paris for the first time in the last 40 years, will serve as a platform for attracting the attention of the world community not only to the rich cultural heritage of the peoples of Central Asia, but also to the processes of regional cooperation taking place here.

In conclusion, the parties agreed to maintain an ongoing dialogue to increase the recognition of Central Asia, primarily by promoting the region as a unique cultural and civilizational space.

G. Khonnazarov, UzA